Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Pros and Cons
If you are considering purchasing a slow feeder dog bowl, it is important to understand the pros and cons associated with this type of feeding dish. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks to consider:
Pros
- Prevents Overeating: Slow feeder dog bowls can help prevent your dog from overeating by forcing them to eat at a slower pace. This can be especially helpful for dogs who are prone to obesity or who have a tendency to scarf down their food too quickly.
- Reduces Risk of Choking: When dogs eat too quickly, they are at a higher risk of choking on their food. Slow feeder dog bowls can help reduce this risk by encouraging them to take smaller bites and chew their food more thoroughly.
- Promotes Healthy Digestion: Eating too quickly can also lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and stomach upset. Slow feeder dog bowls can help promote healthy digestion by allowing your dog to eat at a slower, more natural pace.
- Mental Stimulation: Some slow feeder dog bowls are designed with puzzles or mazes that require your dog to work for their food. This can provide mental stimulation and help prevent boredom.
Cons
- Not Suitable for All Dogs: While slow feeder dog bowls can be beneficial for many dogs, they are not suitable for all. Dogs with brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, for example, may struggle to use these types of bowls. Additionally, dogs who are already slow eaters may not benefit from a slow feeder bowl.
- Can be Difficult to Clean: Some slow feeder dog bowls have intricate designs or are made from materials that are difficult to clean. This can be frustrating for pet owners who want to keep their dog’s feeding dish clean and hygienic.
- May Require Training: Some dogs may need to be trained to use a slow feeder dog bowl. This can be time-consuming and may require patience and persistence on the part of the pet owner.
- May Not be Effective for all Dogs: While slow feeder dog bowls can be effective for many dogs, they may not work for all. Some dogs may still eat too quickly, even with a slow feeder bowl. In these cases, it may be necessary to try other feeding methods or consult with a veterinarian.
Pros of Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
If you’re considering a slow feeder dog bowl for your furry friend, you’re on the right track. Here are some of the benefits of using a slow feeder dog bowl:
Prevents Bloating and Gassiness
Fast eating can lead to bloating and gassiness in dogs, especially in certain breeds. Slow feeder dog bowls can help prevent this by slowing down your dog’s eating pace and reducing the amount of air they swallow while eating. This can decrease the risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), a potentially life-threatening condition in dogs.
Promotes Healthy Eating Habits
Slow feeder dog bowls encourage your dog to eat more slowly and mindfully, promoting healthy eating habits. By taking the time to chew their food properly, your dog can improve their digestion and reduce the risk of choking or vomiting. It can also help prevent overeating and weight gain, which is especially important for overweight or obese dogs.
Provides Mental Stimulation
Slow feeder dog bowls can provide mental stimulation for your dog, especially if they tend to get bored easily. By making mealtime more challenging and engaging, slow feeder dog bowls can help keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained. This is especially important for puppies and senior dogs who may need extra mental stimulation to stay sharp and healthy.
Overall, slow feeder dog bowls are a great investment for any dog owner looking to improve their dog’s eating habits, digestion, and overall health. By promoting healthy eating habits, preventing bloating and gassiness, and providing mental stimulation, slow feeder dog bowls can help keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come.
Cons of Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
When it comes to slow feeder dog bowls, there are some cons that you should be aware of before making a purchase. Below are some of the potential downsides of using slow feeder dog bowls.
Possible Frustration and Competition
Slow feeder dog bowls may cause frustration or competition among dogs if you have more than one pet. Some dogs may feel anxious or stressed when they have to work harder to get their food. This can lead to competition between dogs, which can result in aggressive behavior. If you have multiple dogs, it’s important to supervise them during meal times to ensure that they are not becoming aggressive or territorial.
Choking Hazards
While slow feeder dog bowls can help prevent dogs from eating too quickly, they can also pose a choking hazard. Some dogs may try to eat too quickly and end up choking on their food, especially if they are not used to using a slow feeder bowl. It’s important to monitor your dog while they are eating and to choose a slow feeder bowl that is appropriate for their size and eating habits.
Cleaning Challenges
Slow feeder dog bowls can be more difficult to clean than traditional dog bowls. The ridges and crevices in the bowl can trap food particles and bacteria, making it harder to keep the bowl clean and hygienic. It’s important to clean your dog’s slow feeder bowl regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and food particles. Some slow feeder bowls are dishwasher safe, which can make cleaning easier.
In summary, slow feeder dog bowls can have some cons, including possible frustration and competition among dogs, choking hazards, and cleaning challenges. It’s important to choose a slow feeder bowl that is appropriate for your dog’s size and eating habits, and to supervise them during meal times to ensure that they are not becoming aggressive or territorial. Additionally, it’s important to clean your dog’s slow feeder bowl regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and food particles.
Why Dogs Eat Fast
Dogs eat fast for several reasons:
- They fear another pet in the home will take their food.
- Not enough food is provided so hunger takes over.
- The food is so good they can’t help but gobble it all down. This is usually the case with wet food or super yummy fresh raw dog food.
While you can try to eliminate the factors that contribute to fast eating, it may not be possible, which is why most dog owners choose dog food bowls for fast eaters.
The Problem with Fast Eating in Dogs
Fast eaters can suffer from a medical issue called gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV). GDV is caused by swallowing too much air while eating and that leads to bloat and stomach dilatation.
Dogs that suffer from GDV have an increased risk of:
- Chocking
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal Issues
Pet parents who notice their dog is eating too fast should speak to their veterinarian about GDV and of course, consider ways to slow down the eating process.
Types of Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
Pet parents have many dog bowl options and sizes to choose from for their fast eaters.
Slow Feed Dog Bowl Inserts
Instead of buying new food bowls, slow-feed bowl inserts are perfect. They fit nicely into the bowl and the kibble or wet food fits on top. They come in many different sizes for large dogs, medium dogs, and small dogs.
Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle Feeders are designed to give dogs some fun while they eat because they make it harder to find and grab food. These feeders may not be the best choice for mealtime, but they can be used for it any time.
Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
This is a regular bowl but with grooves in it. You can find them made out of plastic and stainless steel. Again, dog owners should make sure to purchase the right size for their dogs, especially if they have a puppy.
Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Options
The following are some of the slow eating feed bowls we recommend. You can find more here:
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl is perfect for a small-medium dog with other sizes available. The circular makeup of the bowl can slow down eating up to 10 times compared to a regular bowl. Simply pour kibble on top to fill in the grooves.
Jasgood Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
The Jasgood Slow Feeder Dog Bowl is great for large dogs and comes in many different colors. It’s made of high-quality PP material and is VOA, PVC, and phthalate free. The spiral design makes dogs eat slower, which leads to better digestion.
A small/medium size is available for small or medium dogs.
Mighty Paw Slow Feed Dog Bowl Insert
The Mighty Paw Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Insert fits perfectly into a stainless steel regular bowl. The deep dog bowl can hold about 3 cups of food, which makes it great for large dogs.
This insert comes in vibrant orange and green, which can be attractive to dogs. For pet parents without stainless steel bowls, Might Paws sells them as well made for their inserts.
Check out other slow eating dog bowl inserts by clicking below:
Considering the Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Pros and Cons
Now you know the pros and cons of slow feeder dog bowls. It’s time to decide if you’re going to try it for your pup. Fast eating can cause serious medical issues and a slow feeder bowl is recommended by many veterinarians. Contact your vet to ensure you are making the best choice. For the cons of slow feeder dog bowls, keep the solutions in mind. They can make the process of using the bowls much easier so you can thoroughly take advantage of the bests of your dog’s slow feeder dog bowls.
